Another "how much would you pay the sitter" question.. with a twist

My sitter comes twice a week from 7-5:30, I pay her $120/day for my two kids, 5.5, 2.5. A neighbor has asked if she could drop her daughter off for three separate days this summer when she doesn't have childcare. I'm fine with it and so is the sitter. The neighbor said "let me know what you think is fair to pay her".

Ugh, so awkward. I want to pick an amount that's fair to the sitter because I love her and love the idea of her making some extra $$ but I also don't want to shock the neighbor.

Her daughter is the same age as my daughter, 5.5, and they play great together. My daughter is the type to need constant attention so I think having her here will be more helpful to the sitter than more work . She'll be here for a slightly shorter day, 7.5 hrs compared to my kid's 10.5 hrs.

1. Do I just tell her what I pay the sitter and hope she comes up with something fair to avoid the awkward "telling her an amount she isn't comfortable with"?
2. Or do I give her a specific amount that I think is fair to avoid the chance the throws the sitter $20 and calls it a day? If that's the case, how much would I suggest?

Another

Essentially you are paying her $12 an hour for 2 kids working assuming the 10 hours. If you break it apart by child that's $6 an hour per kid. I would tell your neighbor $50 a day. Assuming the same thing- $6/ hour for 8 hrs and make it an even $50 since it will be just 3 times I think it's fair.

Another

I recently used a friend's sitter. I dropped my dd off at my friend's house for a few hours, and the sitter watched both our kids. I flat out asked what she charged. and paid her that for the 3 hours dd was there. I didn't do the math but if pp is right about the $12/hr I'd say that. Don't short change your sitter b/c she's doing a favor and $12 is very reasonable IMO for 7.5 hrs adding an extra kid

Re: Another "how much would you pay the sitter" question.. with a twist

Another

I'd have your friend work it out with your sitter. But to be honest, maybe it's in your best interest that she doesn't pay the same as you (per child). I feel like then she becomes your friends sitter too and equally obligated to her. But I'm weird with this stuff and probably wouldnt agree to the arrangement to begin with.

Another

I had a situation like this (a friend dropped her kid off and my sitter watched him along with my 2 kids), and I let them work it out. Didn't think it was really my business.

Re: Another "how much would you pay the sitter" question.. with a twist

We have a sitter too. I would ask the sitter to let me know how much extra she wants and to be completely honest. Then just relay the message to your friend. I think the sitter needs to make the call!

Message edited 3/14/2016 7:35:47 AM.

Re: Another "how much would you pay the sitter" question.. with a twist

I'd suggest $10/hr. Your sitter is doing her a favor and $10/hr is actually a bargain. If she had to hire her own sitter, she's probably be paying twice that.

Re: Another "how much would you pay the sitter" question.. with a twist

She really should discuss it with the sitter, not you.

Re: Another "how much would you pay the sitter" question.. with a twist

Re: Another "how much would you pay the sitter" question.. with a twist

Re: Another "how much would you pay the sitter" question.. with a twist

Wow, I'd like to babysit for some of you! The sitter is already watching 2 kids, 1 more is not going to send her over the edge, especially since the little girls can play together.

I think it is an awkward situation, but I would suggest $50 a day to be very reasonable. I would love to get $170 to watch some kids for a day!

Re: Another "how much would you pay the sitter" question.. with a twist

Thanks everyone, this is a big help!

Re: Another "how much would you pay the sitter" question.. with a twist

Re: Another "how much would you pay the sitter" question.. with a twist

Posted by melbalalala

Posted by MsSissy

Posted by MrsB12614

Essentially you are paying her $12 an hour for 2 kids working assuming the 10 hours. If you break it apart by child that's $6 an hour per kid. I would tell your neighbor $50 a day. Assuming the same thing- $6/ hour for 8 hrs and make it an even $50 since it will be just 3 times I think it's fair.

IMO I think $6 is pretty cheap.

I would suggest at $8 per hour or $60 per day. Minimum.

Have you talked to your sitter to see what she would like?

I have but she's too polite to answer....